The Oliverian
School: an Alternative New England Boarding School
Nestled on a 1,800-acre campus in beautiful Northern New Hampshire, The Oliverian School provides an inspiring,
supportive, and challenging educational alternative for students in grades 9-12. Here in the mountains of New Hampshire,
in a unique school environment that combines stewardship, academics,
a caring culture, and adventure,
students who march to the beat of their own drummer will find support, inspiration, and success. We're confident that students
who have struggled in more traditional academic environments will find the right blend of challenge and understanding at Oliverian.
The Oliverian School offers rolling admissions.
NEW! The Oliverian School is a college-preparatory boarding school. View our current list of 2009 College Acceptances.
Download our 2008-2009 Student-Parent Handbook (pdf)
Our Mission
Our mission is to educate students, who, despite
experiencing difficulties, want to transition to a college preparatory
setting where they are inspired and supported as they prepare to succeed
in a complex, intricate and ever-changing world. We promote and support
a "zest for living" by encouraging self-exploration, spirituality,
character formation and integrity, as our students learn to balance their
individual needs with those of the community.
New at Oliverian School - June 2009
06.30.2009
The Oliverian School Welcomes New Headmaster,
Randy Richardson
On behalf of The Oliverian School, it is my pleasure to announce that Mr. Randle B. Richardson has been selected, by unanimous vote, as the
new Headmaster of The Oliverian School. Randy most recently served as a consultant and sustainability specialist for the Breakthrough Collaborative,
an alternative program focused on educational equity and teacher training. Randy has worked as a teacher, coach and administrator for over 20 years,
including 6 years as the Head of School at The Derryfield School in Manchester, NH. Prior to Derryfield, Randy was a history teacher, coach, and Director
of Residential Life at Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, PA.
In addition to his experience and related skills in independent schools, Randy brings a deep personal and professional connection to the Oliverian
mission. Since his early childhood, as the son of a boarding school administrator, Randy developed a love of independent schools as learning communities.
As a result, he is committed to fusing support with challenge and independence with structure in all areas of school life.
As the father of a newly graduated senior who depended on a similar alternative school throughout her high school career, Randy is particularly
excited about leading Oliverian. To guide a strength-based school that is attentive to the intellectual, creative, social and physical development
of students, and that has a program based on strong academics, stewardship, adventure and wrap-around support is both professionally and personally
meaningful to Randy. The connection between Randy's personal experience and Oliverian's mission brings significant meaning to his new role, "It is a
privilege to have been chosen as Headmaster of The Oliverian School. I believe it is vital to have a good and genuine match between the needs and mission
of school and its leadership, and I am confident and thankful that I have found the right school at the right time."
A graduate of The Roxbury Latin School, Hamilton College and Wesleyan University, Randy is uniquely qualified to lead Oliverian while further
honing the School's mission crafted by our founding Headmaster, Barclay Mackinnon. Randy and his wife, Susi (an artist and writer), have two
children, Liza (18) and Joshua (16). Randy will officially begin the transition to Oliverian on July 1, and he will move to campus in mid-August.
I know you will join me in welcoming Randy to the Oliverian family later this summer.
Carl Lovejoy
Director of External Affairs
06.09.2009
Summer Session is Rapidly Approaching
Hard to believe, but Summer Session 2009 is less than 2 weeks away! We are very excited about this year's program as it offers a great variety of
credits, activities, and off-campus trips. The Oliverian School Summer Session begins on Sunday, June 21, 2009 and ends on Sat, August 8, 2009. Tuition includes academics, room, board,
on-site counseling support, and a variety of activities. Financial aid packages are available.
Summer Session offers academic credit in English, Mathematics, Social Sciences, and Art. Additional activities include; horseback riding, rock
climbing, organic gardening, martial arts, to name just a few. We are planning our midterm trip to Adventure Bound in Caratunk, Maine, to enjoy whitewater rafting, hiking, high and low-ropes course elements,
camping out, and even have an overnight excursion into Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor for a little bit of shopping and much anticipated
"beach bumming." The adventure week is designed to allow students a little bit of a breather between their daily schedules, and allow them to have an
unforgettable summer!
05.31.2009
Graduation 2009
On Sunday, May 31 at 12 O'Clock, Oliverian celebrated Graduation 2009 at Alumni Hall on the Haverhill Green in Haverhill, New Hampshire.
Parents, family, friends, faculty, underclassmen, and Oliverian alumni gathered to acknowledge the achievements of the twenty seniors who
graduated, several with honors. The music and art departments combined creative efforts for an unforgettable musical performance using only
instruments handcrafted by Oliverian students entirely out of fruits and vegetables! During the performance, a rather large mother black bear
with her two cubs were seen running behind Alumni Hall…only in northern NH do we see wild bears at graduation!
Jay Wolter, President and Founder, announced the dedication of the student center as the Mackinnon Center. This name is quite fitting
as the building was
Barclay’s vision and will be a lasting tribute to all the hard work and commitment to education that Barclay has devoted to the school. Mr. Wolter
also presented the new Barclay E. Mackinnon Jr. Legacy Award to Adam Viney for his senior project on improving the Oliverian locking system.
Outstanding academic and service awards were also presented to several seniors for general excellence. This year's recipients were:
The Headmaster’s Cup: Presented to that senior who personifies academic curiosity, involvement in the School, and compassion for others:
Matthew Blanchard and Fran Quillen
Academic Excellence: For dedication toward, passion for, and achievement of academic excellence: Andrew Sanders
Service: Excellence, diligence and selflessness in serving Oliverian and its local communities: Bridget Friske
Personal Achievement: Outstanding growth and personal achievement through perseverance over challenge and adversity: Logan Whitacre
The John Wolter Award: Academic Excellence, Supports others, and has Respect for Land and Community: Cassandra Boraiko
Barclay E. Mackinnon Jr. Legacy Award: Presented to a student whose perseverance and exemplary service has made a lasting contribution to the Oliverian
community: Adam Viney
After the ceremony, everyone gathered on the Haverhill green for a buffet lunch prepared by Oliverian's Executive Chef, Jay Destroismaison.
Seniors bid their farewells to faculty and underclassmen, eager to embark on life's next adventure - for most seniors, college this fall.
Congratulations, Seniors! View
pictures of Graduation Weekend.
 05.30.2009
Baccalaureate Celebrates Excellence
Baccalaureate night is a special tradition at Oliverian where students are acknowledged for their outstanding performance in various subject areas.
Everyone gathers in the meeting house, overlooking campus, to join the ceremony. This year may have been the largest gathering of people the meeting
house has seen to date!
This year's recipients were:
Excellence in Stewardship: Andrew Sanders, Logan Whitacre, Sam Robins and Matthew Blanchard
Excellence in Jug Band: Andrew Sanders
Excellence in Music 101: Dean Henry
Excellence in Recording Technology: Logan Whitacre
Excellence in Cinematography: Bader Almutawa, H. James Janis
Excellence in Mountain Biking: Willow Rubin-Davis, Campbell Riedl
Excellence in Pottery 1: Brady Dragone
Excellence in Pottery 2: Brady Dragone
Excellence in Creativity 101: Maxwell Apistolas
Excellence in Printmaking: Jenna Koval
Excellence in Outdoor Living Skills
Max Barksdale
Excellence in Gardening: John Henry Soho
Excellence in Nicaragua: Logan Whitacre, Andrew Sanders
Excellence in Wildlife Stewardship: Jenna Koval
Excellence in Rock Climbing: Brandon Vasak, Bridget Friske
Excellence in Exploring the Unknown: Brady Dragone, Matthew Blanchard, Andrew Sanders
Excellence in Basketball: Jordan Eisenhauer
Excellence in Music Theory through the Lens of the Beatles: Courtney Hom, Michael Brow
Excellence in Search for Inspiration: Jesse Fisher
Excellence in From Mud to Music Award: Andrew Sanders
Excellence in English 10: Jeremy Belanga
Excellence in US History: Danit Kargman
Excellence in Social Inequality: Jenna Koval, Nathan Westwater
Excellence in For Shredding the Biggest Gnar: Cory Sobetzer, H. James Janis, Willow Rubin-Davis, Robert Troiano, Andrew Sanders
Excellence in English: Andrew Graham
Excellence in English: Michael Brow
Excellence in English: Amanda Pratt
Excellence in Honors and AP Spanish: Lindsey Richter
Excellence in Spanish: Cory Sobetzer
Excellence in Spanish: Michela Vinton
Excellence in Spanish: Max Barskdale
Excellence in Spanish: Brittany Hoffman, Bridget Friske
Excellence in Spanish: John Regnell
Excellence in Science: Jeremy Belanga
Excellence in Science: John Regnell
Excellence in Science: Andrew Sanders
Excellence in Science: Michael Brow
For outstanding scholarship, creativity and commitment in Honors English: Andrew Sanders
For outstanding historical scholarship in the study of Western Civilization: Lindsey Richter
For outstanding scholarship in US History: Ben Davidson
Excellence in Wildlife Stewardship – 3rd quarter: Rebecca Nolan
Excellence in Beyond Crafts: Amanda Pratt
Excellence in Art and the Human Form: Cassie Boraiko
Excellence in Search for Inspiration: Ben Davidson
Excellence in Wildlife Stewardship: Logan Whitacre
Excellence in Health & Conditioning: Michael Brow, Lindsey Richter
View photos of Baccalaureate 2009 at the Oliverian Photo Gallery.
05.29.2009
Great Kickoff to Graduation Weekend
With all the graduation excitement buzzing through campus, the Oliverian “faculty vs. students” soccer game was a much appreciated diversion. Those who chose not to play enjoyed the sidelines by cheering on their fellow students and enjoying a few laughs at faculty’s expense. The competition was close and the game ended with faculty taking the 6-5 win. However, it is quite arguable that the teams weren’t exactly even with Maurice on faculty’s side!
After the soccer game, Oliverian students tried their luck with a game of baseball against faculty. Fran Quillen even recruited her father, Buzz, in an attempt to defeat faculty! Through a muddy infield, many runs were scored, but alas, faculty took the win again with a score of 7-6.
To wrap the day up full of sports, the boys of the “Sugar House” dorm graciously hosted a tea party to celebrate the event with a large variety of teas, cookies, and authentic crumpets to cap the afternoon off to a great day.
View photos of faculty vs. students soccer at the Oliverian Photo Gallery.
05.26.2009
Wrapping Up the Academic Year
The end of the 2008-2009 academic year is fast approaching. We have had a tremendous year, and Graduation Weekend will be the perfect capstone experience. The schedule of events is as follows:
Friday:
- Barbecue and Softball: Starting at 12:30 pm on Friday, students, faculty, and any family members that have arrived for the weekend are invited to an outdoor Barbecue followed by a Faculty vs. Students Softball game. Parents are welcome to play softball (and they get to choose whether they are on the faculty team or the student team!)
Saturday:
- Campus Clean-up: The majority of student families arrive on campus Saturday around noon to help the students pack and clean their rooms. Graduation weekend is very busy we strongly recommend that you take advantage of this time if possible.
- Baccalaureate (awards ceremony) will be held in the Meeting House from 3-5 pm. Light fare will be provided at the conclusion of the ceremony. Traditionally students leave campus with families for the evening.
Sunday:
- Student Move-out: Students are expected to be completely out of the dorms by noon on Sunday May 31st.
- Graduation: The graduation ceremony will be held at Alumni Hall in Haverhill, NH. We recommend arriving at Alumni Hall by 11:30 for seating; the graduation ceremony will begin at noon. View the Graduation Program.
- Reception: Immediately following the graduation ceremony a reception luncheon will be held at the commons in Haverhill. In previous years, student and parents have enjoyed the opportunity to mingle, meet, and share the feelings of graduation. All students, parents, family friends and faculty are welcome to be a part of the reception. The commons are in walking distance from Alumni Hall.
If you have questions or concerns regarding any of the aforementioned, please contact Brian Sullivan, Director of Programming at bsullivan@oliverianschool.org
05.25.2009
Summer School Directorship
An Announcement from Greg Vogel, Interim Head of School
It is with great pleasure that I introduce Matthew Brown and Erika Hoddinott as our new Summer School Directors. Matthew and Erika bring a great deal of experience to the table in working with our students in many aspects of daily life at Oliverian. Together, they provide a strong commitment to the school’s mission and they value this opportunity to expand upon and further develop our summer school model.
Matthew and Erika will be responsible for all operational facets of the program, and these duties shall commence immediately. In addition, both Erika and Matthew are moving into new exciting roles this fall with Erika as Assistant Admissions Director and Matthew as Assistant Dean of Residential Life. Both directors have served as full time lead dorm parents and teachers for the past two years and have been highly successful in creating positive cultures within their respective houses.
 | Matthew Brown: “I am very excited to be stepping into the role of co-director of summer school with Ms. Hoddinott. Over the last two years while working at the Oliverian School I have become convinced that this is a place in which the values of healthy community, stewardship and the search for truth can be embodied in tangible and life changing ways. I am confident that the 2009 summer program will build on the strengths and successes of last year’s program and continue the Oliverian tradition of inspiring students to individual success in the midst of a safe and nurturing community”. |
| |
 | Erika Hoddinott: “I'm thrilled to become a part of the summer school family at Oliverian and I can't wait to work with our students through the summer. The summer school program offers such a unique experience to students; I look forward to learning and playing a lot this summer!" |
At this time any and all questions regarding our Summer Session ’09 should be directed to Matthew and Erika. Please email them at mbrown@oliverianschool.org and ehoddinott@oliverianschool.org. If you are interested in receiving a summer school application, please contact Mike Doherty at 603-989-5368.
I am confident that Matthew and Erika will provide a smooth transition regarding summer school leadership and program development. I want to thank Tom and Mindy Barth for all the fine work they have done in solidifying our summer school program and I look forward to continued success. As always please do not hesitate to call me directly if you have any questions.
 05.24.2009
End of the Year Rafting Trip Makes a Splash!
Each year the Oliverian community takes part in a year-end rafting trip the weekend before graduation. This year students and faculty left campus on the morning of Saturday 23rd and drove to Caratunk, Maine. Home base was Adventure Bound (www.adv-bound.com) where the students were allowed to swim in the heated pool, use the arcade, sit by the camp fire, watch a movie, or play on the field space provided. On Sunday morning, everyone awoke early for the run on the Kennebec River. Everyone paddled/ screamed their way through class 3 & 4 rapids, and returned to base for a river lunch and slide show of pictures taken on the river of their actual trip.
Parents and students can view photos or make arrangements to purchase photos of the rafting trip at the photographer's website.
 05.24.2009
Oliverian Valley Watershed Council Reconvenes
Through the efforts of Jesse Mohr, a teacher in Oliverian's Stewardship program, the Oliverian Valley Watershed Council will reconvene this summer.
The Oliverian Valley Watershed Council is a collaboration of professionals, local community members, and students dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural and cultural resources of the Oliverian River Valley and the surrounding area. This local watershed group was originally initiated by the members of the Wolter family and local community to address water quality, rural development, and conservation in the Valley but has been inactive for some time. Through the guidance of Jesse Mohr, this group will be reformed with Oliverian students and staff at its core, backed by local community members and technical professionals. The Watershed Council provides a dedicated outlet for local service-learning and community service activities.
Through education, action, and service, the Oliverian Valley Watershed Council will:
- Protect and restore water quality, stream stability, and native wildlife habitat;
- Provide technical guidance and support on the use of best management practices to protect and enhance natural resources;
- Support local economies that contribute to the rural and scenic character of the watershed;
- Support growth compatible with important natural systems and working landscapes;
- Strengthen and support local conservation and sustainability initiatives and opportunities; and
- Create and model service-learning opportunities for the Oliverian School and surrounding community
To achieve these goals, the Watershed Council draws on a diverse set of technical expertise and dedicated community members. At the hub of this core membership are the Oliverian School students and faculty, who through the use of service-learning based education, are available for: data gathering and synthesis; restoration and community beautification projects; hosting community celebrations; and other volunteer services.
 05.17.2009
Senior Projects Prepare Students for Advanced Level Work
Each year, seniors must complete a senior project as a part of their grauation requirements. Successful completion of the senior project includes several steps, including approaching a faculty member to guide the project, creating a project timetable, writing a significant paper detailing the results of the project, and a presentation of the project to faculty and staff at community meeting. The senior project helps prepare students for the level of work which will be required of them in college.
Students work with their faculty mentors to choose topics that are appropriate, manageable, and of personal interest. In the past, topics have been as varied as a survey of educational methods in the United States to promote literacy to heraldic history. Jenna Koval, Class of 2009, designed a project that focused on community service at Lebanon's Listen Center.
"For my senior project I decided to bring social service to Oliverian. I was able to take students to the Listen Center in Lebanon. The Listen Center is an organization that caters to individuals in the Upper Valley who are in need. While volunteering, the students and I organized the thrift store, did yard work, re-stocked and reorganized the food pantry and personal care closet, and cleaned the attic. It was an extremely positive experience and the Listen Center will be happy to have The Oliverian School back in the future." - Jenna Koval
To help support Jenna's initiatives, Oliverian also donated 40-50 lbs of beef from its farm to the Listen Center. We are very proud of the work our graduating seniors achieved this year through their senior projects. Congratulations, Seniors!
 05.14.2009
Ghosthunting Brings Students Closer to History
One of the most entertaining as well as educational electives courses this May was Weird New England, a course based on the book of the same name by Joseph Citro. Led by Mike Sallade, this course explored weird happenings, sites, and stories around New England as they
pertain to natural science, cultural history, and local legend and carried a quarter credit each in Social Science and Adventure. Says Senior Fran Quillen, "The ghost hunting class with Mike was more than awesome. What was even more fun than the creepy buildings and weird stories was that we actually got unexplained pictures! It was AMAZING; I feel like we should have been on SciFi. I didn't just learn that my superstitions may be even more close to being real, but I learned about the history of New England. This class just made me want to find the book Weird Delaware!"
 05.14.2009
Oliverian Starts Community Garden
The Community Garden is part of the larger Oliverian School Garden, which provides food for the school dining hall. The Community Garden is land set aside for area residents who don’t have garden space at home, but would like to grow their own food.
Anyone can become a member of the Oliverian Community Garden by committing to a full gardening season – April through October. Plot size is 10 X 10. Members receive a plot and access to Community Garden tools.
We ask that you keep your plot planted, weeded, watered, and that you contribute to community efforts towards the upkeep of paths, compost bins, sheds, and tools.
The Oliverian Community Garden is a non-profit organization. Any donations are greatly appreciated. Download the Oliverian Community Garden Brochure.
 05.14.2009
Abby Jacobson Leads Summer Counseling Program
As an extension of the the Oliverian School year, Counseling and Advising are important components of Oliverian's Summer Session. In addition to academic advisers for each student, we also work closely with students through both individual and group counseling to provide the support students and families may need. Advisers and/or counselors update and communicate with families on a weekly basis during a student's enrollment.
Our summer counseling program is led by our on-site counselor, Abby Jacobson, who has been with the Oliverian School since 2007. Under her design and guidance, the counseling office hosts several programs to help students adjust, including living in a residential community, creating positive peer relationships, conflict resolution, and healthy coping skills. These are accomplished through individual and group counseling, and, if requested, through family counseling.
Abby Jacobson has a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology, and extensive experience in private practice and public schools as a substance abuse counselor and a family therapist. She is a licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor in New Hampshire and Vermont. This is the second summer Abby will be leading our summer counseling program. Abby also heads up our Organic Gardening program, which provides nourishing and healthy produce for the Oliverian School cafeteria. During her free time, Abby likes to hike with her dog, Cady.
 05.13.2009
Taking Art 'Beyond Crafts' During Electives Week
During the Spring 2009 Electives Week, the Art Department invited students to explore their creativity with a variety of traditional and contempory crafts with the Electives offering 'Beyond Crafts. Students worked on silk painting and hand built pottery. This class was designed for the student who wants/needs an art credit but isn’t comfortable taking a ‘classic’ art class like drawing or painting. Students produced some functional and artistic pieces while exploring a variety of techniques and media.
In a second Art Elective, 'Art and the Human Form', students focused on improving classic drawing skills using the human form as inspiration. Students worked with pencil, charcoal, and inks. The class learned how to create sculptures of the human form in wire and mixed media. The class developed their drawing skills with daily gesture drawings and longer poses. Students also worked in teams to create wonderful mixed media sculptures.
05.06.2009
Plans for 2010 Intersession and Electives Weeks Announced
A Letter from Gregory Vogel, Interim Headmaster
Dear Oliverian Families,
As you are aware, I was appointed Interim Headmaster for the period commencing July 1, 2009. My duties, insofar as they relate to next year’s planning, commence immediately.
I hope to keep you posted about next year’s plans through regular emails and web postings that continue for the remainder of this year and into the summer. You will soon hear about new and exciting additions to our program, such as our new Equestrian Program beginning this fall. I am open to and welcome any suggestions that you may have. Feel free to call or email me.
The focus of this letter is our intersession program. Specifically, I would like to inform you of some program changes that reflect much of the input I, and others, have received this past year.
The focus of our intersession program is to expose students to service learning and experiential education in the spirit and tradition of alternative educational leaders such as John Dewey, Carl Hahn and John Wolter. While we believe these trips are very beneficial to our students, I am also mindful that the additional expense has become burdensome to many families. In addition, it is apparent that some students might benefit from a more individualized and interest based service learning option. For instance, a student with an interest in music, might wish to organize a local instructional program for children and families who could not otherwise afford music lessons.
Given these factors, our “intersession” week next year shall instead be restated as a winter electives week where a variety of integrated local or site based experiential learning opportunities will be offered. This will build upon our already existing fall and spring elective weeks.
Our traditional intersession trips will now be optional and offered during our two week spring break. Many families have already expressed interest in some school sponsored programs during this period, and this will provide an option for you. For those of you who elect to participate in the intersession program, I have asked Brian Sullivan to organize trips within the continental United States at a cost at or below $1,000. Continuing a tradition, it is still likely that we will offer one culturally focused Central / South American trip that builds upon our Spanish program. This trip is likely to cost about $1,500. To ensure that we can provide focused planning, we will establish a firm deadline to elect the intersession option sometime during the fall.
Again, we believe that service and experiential learning are important elements to our school. Therefore, students and families who do not elect the optional intersession trip shall be required to propose and complete independent service and experiential learning projects along the lines mentioned above. These projects can be done at home during break periods, on family trips, or during free time on campus or in our local community. Our new Stewardship Director, Jesse Mohr, in conjunction with individual student advisors, will take the lead in assisting students in the design of their individual projects. Please be aware that all students are expected to participate and complete the service learning module either through their own self-designed program or by participation on the intersession trips that are planned.
Thank you for taking the time to review this letter. I am excited about the leadership opportunity that has been offered to me and very much wish to partner with all of you to build upon the visions of the Wolter family and Barclay Mackinnon. I have the support of a great and stable faculty, many returning students and experienced mentors like Jay Wolter, Barclay Mackinnon, and Carl Lovejoy. This is an exciting time at Oliverian and I am blessed and proud to be playing an integral role.
Again, please do not hesitate to provide me feedback on this or any other matter!
Sincerely,
Gregory T. Vogel
Interim Headmaster
05.04.2009
Spring Electives Week in Full Swing
Oliverian students participated in the first day of Electives Week Spring 2009 today. This Spring, a wide variety of courses have been selected to offer students new opportunities for learning, including a cooking course which focuses on international cuisine, two music courses which, alternately, encourage composition and improvisation, a self-hypnosis course to bring about positive changes, a creative writing course, a rustic furniture-making course, and more! View a full list of the Spring 2009 offerings.
The Oliverian School holds two Electives Weeks per year, once during the Fall Semester and once during the Spring Semester. Electives Weeks allow students to explore new interests while gaining academic credit. Electives Weeks are placed strategically within the semesters to break up long blocks of time and revitalize student interest in academics.
 04.24.2009
Greg Vogel Named Interim Head of School
The Oliverian School is pleased to announce Gregory Vogel’s appointment as the Interim Head of School for the period commencing July 1, 2009. In this role, Greg will be responsible for daily operations, including human resources and related areas. Greg’s responsibilities as Interim Head of School shall commence in July and continue until Oliverian’s search committee has appointed a permanent Headmaster. Barclay Mackinnon will remain in the role of Head of School until July 1, 2009 to ensure consistency for the remainder of the academic year and a smooth transition of duties.
Mr. Vogel, currently serving as the Assistant Head of School, joined the Oliverian community in 2004 after working 5 years with Dartmouth College in the Dartmouth Development Office and Dartmouth College Men’s Soccer. Mr. Vogel earned his BA at Alfred University in English Literature and Secondary Education. He continued his education at Western Maryland College where he earned his MS degree in Educational Administration. As Assistant Head of School, Greg’s priorities have included faculty development, residential life, and managing daily operations. Greg also served as Oliverian’s Dean of Students and Dean of Faculty during his first two years with the school.
Greg lives directly on the Oliverian campus at “The Homestead” with his wife Vajra and their four children: Maren, Gregory, Hannah, and Caelan. Greg is a firm believer that living on campus fosters valuable family integration with Oliverian students. Having worked with high school and college students at various developmental levels, Greg strengthened his belief that the education of today’s youth flows from many sources, particularly outside the classroom. “The Oliverian School offers the necessary environment to address the student as a ‘whole person’ and impact students in many areas beyond traditional academics. We inspire students to develop a real sense of character and their importance to this community, as well as the world around them. Too often, young people struggle with unlocking their strength and courage needed to achieve.” It is Greg’s belief that the most important work faculty accomplishes comes alive through the ‘in between moments’ of education when they can mentor, care for, inspire, and guide students toward triumphant life decisions and a genuine vigor for life.
 04.20.2009
Students and Staff Earn Wilderness First Aid Certification
On Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2009, several Oliverian students and staff elected to take part in a Wilderness First Aid training course offered on Oliverian's campus. Programming Director, Brian Sullivan, invited SOLO's Director of Education, Bill Kane, to our campus to teach a 16 hour course which focuses
on the basic skills of: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies, Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies. The WFA (Wilderness First Aid) is the perfect course for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants a basic level of first aid training for short trips with family, friends, and outdoor groups. It also meets the ACA guidelines.
On day one, under cloudy skies, students learned to perform primary and secondary assessments of a patient in crisis, properly lift and move patients, help patients in shock, and splint and swathe fractures and sprains. Bill Kane used role-playing scenarios so students would have hands-on experience with treating an injured individual. On day two, Bill presented
information on spinal injuries, hypothermia and frostbite, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and burns, asthma, alergic reactions, as well as soft tissue injuries, such as abrasions, punctures, impaled objects, and amputation. Bill also stressed with students the treatment of infection.
 At the end of the two-day course, 5 students and 3 staff members received their two year WFA Certification - Max Barksdale, Cassie Boraiko, Ben Davidson, Jenna Koval, Nathan Westwater, Jonna Book, Abby Jacobson, and Mindy Barth. Two students - Max Barksdale and Jenna Koval - pursued further coursework and were certified in CPR. Congratulations!
SOLO has been the leader in wilderness medicine education in the United States since 1976. Under the continuous ownership of Dr. Frank Hubbell and his wife Lee Frizzell, SOLO has been the driving force behind the development of the most popular wilderness medicine courses ever offered: Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician.
SOLO instructors are professional medical providers as well as seasoned educators. They combine the latest information with lively lectures, hands-on exercises, and real-life medical emergency scenarios to provide the richest learning environment possible. Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is SOLO’s most popular course and it creates a solid foundation in the basics of backcountry medical care. Started as the “Mountain/Woods First Aid” course in 1975, this was the first course of its kind in the United States, and it is the curriculum upon which all other backcountry medicine courses are based.
To learn more about SOLO and their courses, visit www.soloschools.com.
 04.14.2009
Barclay Mackinnon Announces His New Role and Introduces Carl Lovejoy as Director of External Affairs
I've just returned from the Small Boarding Schools Association Conference in Florida and spending time on the West Coast with family and friends. Although it was a busy week, I had some time to reflect on life in general and Oliverian more specifically.
In the fall of 2004, we opened the doors after three years of planning and physical plant development. I assembled a talented faculty who shared our vision. On Opening Day, we welcomed five students to campus. By Year Three we were beginning to be recognized as a quality alternative to traditional independent schools.
As I began to contemplate Year Six, and consider my desire to spend more time with family, I have concluded that, while I am not quite ready to depart, it is time for me to step back and let others assume the role of leading our school into the next phase of its development. I was hired to establish the Oliverian School and that has now been accomplished. I have decided that now is the right time for me to transition into an exciting new role that allows me to remain fully engaged in the life of the school.
Therefore, I am pleased to announce, after discussion with our Board, that effective July 1, 2009 I will be stepping into my new role as Head Emeritus-Director of Alumni and Family Relations. In this full time position, I will work closely with Carl Lovejoy, Oliverian’s new Director of External Affairs, and other members of our team to continue to provide the kind of experience our families and students have come to love and expect.
Since graduating from Colby 30 years ago, Carl Lovejoy has spent his entire professional career in independent schools, including St. Paul's School, Tabor Academy and the Cardigan Mountain School. Carl was most recently the Director of Development at Kimball Union Academy. Carl brings added depth to our admissions and resource development efforts, including many new relationships on which we will build. I look forward to working closely with Carl, Mike Doherty, Director of Admissions, and Erika Hoddinott, Assistant Director of Admissions, to increase enrollment and further develop the school.
With this announcement, Oliverian has launched the search for a new Headmaster, who will live on site and guide faculty and students in our quest for continuous improvement. I would like to thank our faculty, students, families and the Board of Trustees, as well as our evolving Advisory Committee, for all the support they have provided me and others in our quest. I am excited about Oliverian's future and proud of our collective accomplishments, as well as the opportunity to play a continued role in Oliverian's development.
With warm regards,
Barclay Mackinnon, Jr.
Head of School
** Visit the Oliverian School Newsroom to read past articles **
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DATES TO REMEMBER
Summer Session:
Sun, June 21 - Sat, Aug 8
Fall Semester Begins:
Sunday, Sept. 6
Orientation Trips:
Mon. Sept 7 - Fri. Sept. 11
Fall Classes Begin:
Mon. Sept. 14
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